Korn worried about economy, people if curfew imposed

BANGKOK, 17 May 2010 (NNT) – Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij has voiced his concerns with the national economy and movement of people, which would be negatively affected if the government imposes a curfew in the country.

Mr Korn stated that a curfew enforcement would negatively affect the economy and the movement of people, stating that the government should only invoke the security law during nighttime in order to enable security officers to separate terrorists from normal citizens.

People will be prohibited from leaving their residences in the designated time, and their safety will not be ensured for violation of the security law. The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) earlier planned to impose a curfew in some areas but decided to scrap its plan on Sunday afternoon.

The minister then expressed his concern on damages of properties of private businesses and lives of people during the ongoing political unrest, stating that people’s lives would be used to bargain with the government.

Mr Korn added that a prolonged demonstration could surely harm the economy in the long-term.